Dal Curry with 2 Chapatis

Ingredients(for 1 bowl dal curry with 2 medium chapatis)

• 1 cup Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) (मूंग दाल)
• 2 cups Atta (Whole Wheat Flour) (आटा)
• 3 cups Water (for dal and dough)
• 1 medium Onion (प्याज, finely chopped)
• 1 medium Tomato (टमाटर, finely chopped)
• 1 inch Ginger (अदरक, grated)
• 2 cloves Garlic (लहसुन, minced)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (जीरा)
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (हल्दी)
• 1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) - optional
• to taste Salt (नमक)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (धनिया, finely chopped) - optional
• 1 tbsp Oil (mustard or refined) (तेल, for tadka and chapati)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse moong dal thoroughly and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a pressure cooker with 2 cups water, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 2-3 whistles.

   10 minutes

   Soaking dal reduces cooking time and enhances digestibility.

2. 2

   While dal is cooking, prepare atta dough by mixing flour and water. Knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and set aside.

   5 minutes

   Adding a few drops of oil makes chapatis softer.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a kadhai (pan). Add cumin seeds, then sauté onion, garlic, and ginger till golden. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

   5 minutes

   Cook onions well for a sweet, deep flavor.

4. 4

   Add red chili powder and salt (if needed), stir, then pour in cooked dal. Mix well. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   7 minutes

   Simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully.